Chapter 50

Shi Ye was woken up by a barrage of phone calls from Lin Xiaoyu. Not from an alarm clock, but from a persistent, relentless barrage of calls, as if she would keep calling until the end of time if she didn't answer.

She groggily got up from the sofa—she had actually fallen asleep on the sofa last night, still covered with the off-white cashmere cardigan that Qi Jin had given her last night—and reached for her phone, which was buzzing incessantly on the coffee table, and swiped to answer it.

"Sister Shi Ye!! Get up, get up!! The sun is shining on your butt!! Today is our big day!! Look at the time!!" Lin Xiaoyu's energetic voice instantly pierced through her not-yet-fully-awake mind.

Shi Ye held his phone further away and squinted at the time on the screen—10:30 AM. Thankfully, it wasn't too late.

"I'm up..." Her voice was hoarse, still heavy with sleepiness.

"Get up! I'll be right there! I brought you breakfast! And—" Lin Xiaoyu's voice suddenly lowered, mysteriously, "I passed by downstairs and saw my senior's car! The black one! It was parked downstairs from your house! Has she arrived yet? Did she come up to see you? Are you two... um!"

Shi Ye decisively hung up the phone.

She buried her face in the soft cashmere cardigan, inhaling deeply. A faint, lingering scent of Qi Jin's cool, icy breath remained, mixed with her own. She'd actually fallen asleep in this cardigan last night? And even used it as a cover-up?

She sat up and rubbed her throbbing temples. The system in her mind was quiet; the [Forced Association Progress: 91%] was still there, like a stubborn plaster, but at least it wasn't making any more buzzing noises.

Is Qi Jin downstairs?

She walked to the window, lifted a corner of the curtain, and peeked down.

Sure enough, the familiar black sedan was quietly parked in its usual spot. The driver's side window was rolled down halfway, revealing Qi Jin's profile. She wasn't wearing a suit, but a light gray cardigan, her hair loosely tied back. One hand rested on the steering wheel, while the other seemed to be looking at her phone. Morning light filtered through the leaves, casting soft shadows on her, making her look... somewhat relaxed?

Shi Ye's heart skipped a beat. She quickly drew the curtains and looked down at herself—she was wearing yesterday's clothes, all wrinkled, her hair a mess, and there were probably sleep marks on her face.

She rushed into the bathroom, washed up as quickly as possible, and changed into another set of clothes Qi Jin had given her—a light blue cotton shirt and white casual pants, the size still just right. Looking at her barely presentable appearance in the mirror, she hesitated for a moment, then put on the moon necklace. The cool jade against her skin below her collarbone brought a familiar sensation.

Just as she finished tidying up, the doorbell rang, accompanied by Lin Xiaoyu's energetic shout, "Sister Shi, open the door!"

Shi Ye opened the door, and Lin Xiaoyu rushed in like a cannonball, carrying a breakfast bag. Her eyes immediately swept to Shi Ye's neck—seeing the necklace, she narrowed her eyes in satisfaction, then looked around like a detective: "Where's Senior? Didn't she come up?"

"Downstairs." Shi Ye took the breakfast bag, which contained steamed buns and soy milk.

"Wow! Senior, you're here so early! And you even waited downstairs! How thoughtful!" Lin Xiaoyu clasped her hands to her heart, then, remembering something, looked at Shi Ye warily, "Sister Shi Ye, you didn't keep me waiting, did you? Did you get ready properly? Your hair is still a bit messy! Let me help you!"

As she spoke, she reached out to pull at Shi Ye's hair, but Shi Ye nimbly dodged her.

"I'll do it myself! Eat your breakfast!" Shi She stuffed the steamed bun into her mouth, successfully silencing her nagging.

The two quickly finished their breakfast. Shi Ye put on the soft flat shoes that Qi Jin had given her, while Lin Xiaoyu tidied up her dress (still in the misty blue color scheme, but with a different style) and makeup in front of the mirror in the entryway.

"Is it ready?" Shi asked.

"Alright, alright! Let's go!" Lin Xiaoyu clenched her fists, looking ready to go into battle.

The two went downstairs. Qi Jin saw them come out, put down his phone, and got out of the car.

She wasn't wearing formal attire today, opting for a light gray knit sweater and beige trousers. Her demeanor was much softer than usual, but her height and features still commanded attention. In the morning light, the small, skin-colored bandage on her forehead was almost invisible.

"Good morning, senior!" Lin Xiaoyu greeted her obediently, her eyes sparkling.

Qi Jin nodded to her, then his gaze fell on Shi Ye, looking her up and down from her hair to her shoes. He then took the small bag from Shi Ye's hand (which contained Lin Xiaoyu's design drafts and some documents).

Shi Ye was stunned for a moment, and then the weight in his hand felt lighter.

"Get in the car." Qi Jin opened the back door of the car and gestured for them to get in.

Lin Xiaoyu very "sensibly" rushed to get into the back seat first, patted the empty seat next to her, and said to Shi Ye, "Sister Shi Ye, come on in quickly!"

Shi Ye: "..." Does this girl have some kind of obsession with the "passenger seat"? Yesterday she said she wanted her to sit in the passenger seat, and today she's moved her to the back seat?

She glanced at Qi Jin, who had already walked to the driver's seat, hesitated for a second, and then silently sat in the back seat next to Lin Xiaoyu.

Qi Jin closed the car door, returned to the driver's seat, fastened his seatbelt, and started the car.

The car drove smoothly onto the street.

The carriage was quiet, with only soft music playing. Qi Jin drove very steadily, making the ride almost imperceptible.

Lin Xiaoyu was a little nervous at first and sat up straight, but after a while, she couldn't help but start whispering to Shi Ye, mainly about the details of the negotiation and the problems that might be encountered. Shi Ye occasionally responded with a few words.

Qi Jin glanced at them in the rearview mirror but didn't say anything.

After a while, while waiting at a traffic light, Qi Jin suddenly spoke up, his voice steady: "The other company is called 'Creative Design Workshop,' which mainly develops and customizes cultural and creative products. The founder's surname is Zhao, and he was Professor Wang's former student. He is a pragmatic person who values ​​the practical application of ideas and commercial potential. Xiaoyu's work concept aligns with their company's direction, so don't be nervous, just present your ideas normally."

Lin Xiaoyu was taken aback by Qi Jin's sudden provision of such detailed information. She paused for a moment, then nodded vigorously, "Thank you, senior! I'll remember it!"

Shi Ye was also somewhat surprised. Qi Jin... actually did his homework beforehand? He even checked the founder's background?

As she watched Qi Jin's profile as he focused on driving, a surge of mixed emotions welled up inside her.

The car quickly arrived at a commercial area near the destination. "Creative Design Workshop" was located in an office building that looked very stylish.

Qi Jin parked the car, and the three of them went upstairs together.

Upon arriving at the company reception, I gave my name and was quickly led to a small conference room. A man who looked to be in his thirties, wearing a casual suit and black-rimmed glasses, was already waiting inside; he was none other than the founder, Mr. Zhao.

Upon seeing the three of them enter, President Zhao's gaze lingered on Qi Jin for a moment, clearly recognizing her. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and warmly invited them to sit down.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Lin Xiaoyu began to present her design work and concepts. She was still clearly a little nervous, but much better than during yesterday's competition. Her explanations were clear, her logic was sound, and her eyes sparkled with passion for her work.

Mr. Zhao listened attentively, nodding occasionally, and his questions were all to the point, showing that he was indeed interested in the topic.

Qi Jin sat next to Shi Ye, barely speaking. She would only occasionally add a word or two when Lin Xiaoyu's explanation was unclear or when President Zhao's questions were particularly tricky, or she would use more business-like language to explain Lin Xiaoyu's creative potential. Her tone was calm, but every word was perfectly timed, neither overshadowing the main point nor hindering the conversation.

Shi Ye watched from the side, his strange feeling growing stronger. Was Qi Jin... acting as a... temporary advisor for Lin Xiaoyu? Or... fulfilling some kind of "guardian" duty?

She found it hard to take her eyes off Qi Jin. The way he leaned slightly to listen, the way his slender fingers tapped the table as he thought, the calm yet resolute look in his eyes when he spoke... all gave her a strange, unsettling feeling.

The negotiations went more smoothly than expected. General Manager Zhao affirmed Lin Xiaoyu's creativity and potential, and proposed a preliminary cooperation plan: inviting Lin Xiaoyu to participate in a series of projects at their company as an intern designer. If the cooperation went well, they could consider deeper collaboration or even signing a contract.

This was a great opportunity for Lin Xiaoyu, who was still a student. Her cheeks flushed with excitement, and she thanked him repeatedly.

The specific details need to be discussed later. Mr. Zhao politely escorted them to the elevator.

The elevator doors closed, leaving only the three of them in the cramped space.

Lin Xiaoyu finally couldn't hold back and let out a small cheer, grabbing Shi Ye's arm: "Sister Shi Ye! Did you hear that! Intern designer! Participate in the project! Can I really do it?!"

"You can do it." Shi Ye smiled, touched by her words.

"Thanks to you, senior!" Lin Xiaoyu turned to Qi Jin, her eyes shining like stars. "What you said and the suggestions you gave me were so helpful! President Zhao is clearly more satisfied now!"

Qi Jin glanced at her, his tone remaining calm: "It's your own work that has value."

"But someone has to see its value first!" Lin Xiaoyu insisted, then suddenly remembered something and took out two bottles of water from her small bag—the very same mineral water she had been debating whether to bring last night. "Senior, Sister Shi, have some water! You must be thirsty after talking for so long!"

She handed the water to Qi Jin first, and then to Shi Ye.

Qi Jin took it, thanked him, unscrewed the cap, and took a sip.

Shi Ye also took it, his fingertips touching the cool plastic shell of the bottle.

The elevator arrived at the first floor.

Stepping out of the office building, the afternoon sun was quite dazzling.

"Let me treat you to dinner!" Lin Xiaoyu suggested excitedly, "Let's celebrate! I know a good Japanese restaurant nearby!"

Qi Jin glanced at the time: "I have a meeting this afternoon."

Lin Xiaoyu was immediately disappointed: "Ah...I see..."

"Go ahead and eat," Qi Jin said to Shi Ye. "Tell me when you're done eating, and I'll have the driver pick you up."

"No need to trouble yourself..." Shi Ye subconsciously wanted to refuse.

“No trouble at all.” Qi Jin interrupted her, his tone casual. “It’s not convenient to get a taxi here. Or,” she paused, “you can go for a walk after you finish eating, and I’ll pick you up after my meeting.”

Lin Xiaoyu's eyes lit up again: "Is it okay? Sister Shi, let's go for a walk after we eat! We're free this afternoon anyway!"

Looking at Lin Xiaoyu's expectant eyes and then at Qi Jin's calm and expressionless face, Shi Ye nodded as if possessed: "...Okay."

Qi Jin's lips seemed to curve into a barely perceptible smile, but it was so quick it was almost an illusion. "Okay. I'll contact you then."

She walked towards the parking lot, her shadow stretching long in the sunlight.

Lin Xiaoyu took Shi Ye's arm, watching the direction she left in, and sighed softly, "Senior is so cool... no, I mean so cool. Shi Ye, do you think Senior specifically looked into this company beforehand, just to help us... no, to help me?"

Shi Ye didn't answer, but just watched Qi Jin's car drive away and disappear around the street corner.

The moon necklace around her neck reflected a warm glow in the sunlight.

The frozen ground in my heart, which had melted, seemed to have collapsed a little more.

It was warm and cozy, with a touch of... comforting unease.